Celebrating and Acknowledging the Significance of Black History: UIW to Celebrate Black History Month 2026
The month of February brings about the annual celebration of Black History Month (BHM) across the nation. With both the United States’ history and present story being contributed by prominent Black individuals, this month offers a time to reflect and observe the influence of Black communities. From advancements in science, politics, pop culture and more, the U.S. would not be the same without Black voices and stories.
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is looking forward to hosting a variety of events in celebration of BHM 2026.
“We hope the BHM events highlight that America's strength lies in our commitment to study our past honestly,” shared Arturo Chavez, PhD, associate vice president for UIW Mission and Ministry and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and BHM committee member. “We must unite to change current setbacks and bravely hold to our Mission value of seeking truth, even if it is uncomfortable. Black history is American history!”
See a few events that are in store for this year’s Black History Month celebration:
Thursday, Feb. 12
Catholic Social Teaching and the Options for People who are Poor
Join Joan F. Neal, M.A.P.S., D.Min (h.c.), deputy executive director and chief equity officer at NETWORK – Network Advocates for Catholic Social Justice Network, as she hosts a virtual conversation on Catholic Social Teaching principles. Consider how these principles, at the center of UIW’s Mission, can illuminate our communal discernment on how to respond to the growing economic disparities and the impact on the life and dignity of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers.
Saturday, Feb. 21
Faith and the Frontier
The Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association, along with Reverend W. Raymond Bryant, will present the remarkable history of the Buffalo Soldiers as vital contributors in shaping U.S. religious history and settling the western United States.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
Spoken Word Workshop with Jess Mahogany and Coach Cunningham
Join speaker, actress and poet Jess Mahogany and UIW assistant women’s basketball coach Amber Cunningham as they bring magnificent and eye-opening, real-life struggles to life with their words. They will share powerful pieces exploring intersectionality among identity, history, politics, spirituality, gender, class and race. Together, they will guide participants to express their own experiences through the power of the spoken word.
Thursday, Feb. 26
UIW African & Afro Caribbean Fashion Show & Market
The UIW community hosts vendors from Africa and the Caribbean, including local cultural organizations and Black-owned and African diaspora-owned businesses. Experience fashion, poetry, art and gifts from the African continent and African Caribbean cultures!
Parts of UIW Black History Month are hosted by UIW UMM, UIW ECCL, UIW Int’l Affairs and UIW African Student Organization and coordinated by Nichelle Hosley of Interior Design Meets Fashion.
Click here to register and stay up to date on BHM month events at UIW.